Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cause Discovered And Scientists Believe They Have A Cure

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects one in five women however it can have life changing effects.

Now, scientists have revealed what they believe might be the cause behind the condition, even admitting that there could be a cure.

We already know that the condition happens because of elevated levels androgens (male hormones) in females.

Symptoms of the condition include irregular or no periods, excessive body and face hair and sometimes weight gain. It can also lead to difficulties when it comes to trying to get pregnant.

Pexels

Now, scientists have found a link between hormonal imbalance in the womb and PCOS.

The study published in Nature Medicine found that levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were 30 per cent higher in pregnant women with condition than those without.

Because of the fact that the condition is thought to have hereditary elements, the study, lead by Paolo Giacobini, tested whether women with the hormonal imbalance can give birth to daughters with PCOS.

Robert Normal from the University of Adelaide explained: "It's a radical new way of thinking about polycystic ovary syndrome and opens up a whole range of opportunities for further investigation."

Wikimedia Commons

Now this is where it gets slightly complicated. According to the study, the extra AMH seemed to prompt overstimulation of a certain set of brain calls called GnRH neutrons, which control the body's testosterone levels.

This means the offspring displays higher level of testosterone.

Not only were the researchers able to determine the cause of the condition, they even reversed it into mice.

The polycystic mice were given an IVF drug called cetrorelix and it miraculously made the symptoms go away.

Researchers plan to trial the drugs in humans later this year.

Wikimedia Commons

Paolo explained: "It could be an attractive strategy to restore ovulation and eventually increase the pregnancy rate in these women."

This could be a major breakthrough for women with the condition all over the world.

Emma Rosemurgey

Emma Rosemurgey is an NCTJ trained Junior Journalist at PRETTY52. She graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and started her career in regional newspapers before joining the team in 2017. Contact her on emma.rosemurgey@pretty52.com